Les Houches lectures on flow networks in biology
Flows are essential to transport resources over large distances. As soon as diffusion becomes time-limiting, flows are needed. Flows are key for the function of multiple human organs, from the blood…
Prof. Karen Alim
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Karen Alim
Technische Universität München
Professur für Theorie biologischer Netzwerke (Prof. Alim)
Postadresse
Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Str. 8
85748 Garching b. München
- Tel.: +49 89 289 12192
- Raum: 5415.EG.036
- Homepage
- E-Mail: k.alim@tum.de
Research
Our goal is to identify the physical principles governing life, thus providing new tools to overcome disease and invent smart and robotic materials. The architecture of vascular (flow) networks and their surprisingly complex functions are dynamically controlled by the interplay of flow and active, living matter. To uncover this inherently interdisciplinary process, we intertwine theory and experiment, thereby using a variety of approaches ranging from statistical physics and mechanics, cell, developmental, and synthetic biology to regenerative medicine.
Publikationen
56 PublikationenViscosity's impact on nutrient uptake along the gut
Through switching contraction patterns driving digestive flows, the small intestine balances nutrient uptake and waste removal. Complex segmentation contraction patterns are associated with higher…
Auxin-mediated stress relaxation in pericycle and endoderm remodeling drives lateral root initiation
Plant development relies on the precise coordination of cell growth, which is influenced by the mechanical constraints imposed by rigid cell walls. The hormone auxin plays a crucial role in regulating…
A roadmap toward the synthesis of life
The synthesis of life from non-living matter has captivated and divided scientists for centuries. This bold goal aims at unraveling the fundamental principles of life and leveraging its unique…
Flow-Induced Vascular Remodeling on-Chip
Impaired vascular network remodeling is linked to tumor progression, impacting the efficacy of anti-vascular therapies. However, the interplay between blood flow and vascular endothelial growth factor…
Coexistence of trapped and flow-transported nuclei enables fast pigeon post communication across multinucleated cell
Multi-nucleated cells exist in all domains of life, ranging from animals, plants, and fungi to single-celled organisms such as the slime mold Physarum polycephalum. The large cell size, in the case of…
Self-Organized Homogenization of Flow Networks
From the vasculature of animals to the porous media making up batteries, the core task of flow networks is to transport solutes and perfuse all cells or media equally with resources. Yet, living flow…
Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics Physarum polycephalum
Life evolved organisms to adapt dynamically to their environment and autonomously exhibit behaviors. Although complex behaviors in organisms are typically associated with the capability of neurons to…
Size-dependent self-avoidance enables superdiffusive migration in macroscopic unicellulars
Many cells face search problems, such as finding food, mates, or shelter, where their success depends on their search strategy. In contrast to other unicellular organisms, the slime mold Physarum…
Mechanical forces instruct division plane orientation of cambium stem cells during radial growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
Robust regulation of cell division is central to the formation of complex multi-cellular organisms and is a hallmark of stem cell activity. In plants, due to the absence of cell migration, the correct…
Wintersemester 2025/26
| Titel | Termine | Dauer | Art | Vortragende/r (Mitwirkende/r) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aktuelle Entwicklungen zur Physik biologischer Netzwerke |
|
2 | PS | |
| Fortgeschrittene statistische Physik |
|
4 | VO | |
| Journal-Club Biologische Physik und Morphogenese |
|
2 | SE | |
| Repetitorium zu Aktuelle Entwicklungen zur Physik biologischer Netzwerke |
|
2 | RE |
K. Alim [L]
|
| Tutorenseminar zu Fortgeschrittene statistische Physik |
|
2 | SE | |
| Veranstaltungen "Talentmanagement and Diversity" |
|
0.1 | OV | |
| Übung zu Fortgeschrittene statistische Physik |
|
2 | UE |
K. Alim [L]
|
Sommersemester 2026
| Titel | Termine | Dauer | Art | Vortragende/r (Mitwirkende/r) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aktuelle Entwicklungen zur Physik biologischer Netzwerke |
|
2 | PS | |
| Biophysik |
|
4 | VO | |
| Journal-Club Biologische Physik und Morphogenese |
|
2 | SE | |
| Repetitorium zu Aktuelle Entwicklungen zur Physik biologischer Netzwerke |
|
2 | RE |
K. Alim [L]
|
| Übung zu Biophysik |
|
2 | UE |